11 held for violence during Ravidas Jayanti procession in Roorkee

Roorkee: Eleven people were arrested on Thursday in connection with a double murder and violence case during a procession to mark Sant Ravidas Jayanti in Binarsi village of Bhagwanpur near Roorkee on Feb 1, police said.

The clash erupted between two rival groups from the same community following a verbal altercation during the procession and quickly escalated into stone-pelting, firing and rioting across the village. Two men were killed and several others injured, including three who suffered gunshot wounds.


Police said the violence stemmed from a long-standing personal dispute between two youths—20-year-old Anand and 21-year-old Vishal—allegedly linked to a relationship involving a local woman. Vishal allegedly shot Anand dead using an illegal firearm, while members of Anand's group allegedly beat 45-year-old Mangeram, a supporter of Vishal, to death in retaliation.

Named FIRs were registered against 25 persons from both sides. Anand's father filed a complaint against seven people, while Mangeram's son lodged a separate FIR against 18 persons from the rival group.

SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said eight accused were arrested from one group and three from the other, and the weapon used in the crime was recovered. Raids are underway to nab the remaining accused.

Police also initiated action over lapses in handling the situation. Bhagwanpur police station in-charge inspector Surya Bhushan Negi and senior sub-inspector Ramesh Saini were removed from their posts and attached to police lines, while Tejjupur police post in-charge Surat Singh and two constables were suspended.